pregnancy

[nevetsnosnas]

my partner is 38 weeks pregnant. They advise the baby can come 2 weeks before or after and if it's your fist most likely the latter. my question is are there any signs before the initial labour or the waters break that could indicate that she is very near going into labour? or does the labour/braxton hicks/waters break just start to suddenly happen? this might seem a daft question but apart from being tired and the usual and being told the baby has lowered there is no other signs yet.

[lil75]

I suppose everybody is different, but basically my waters just broke with both of my children, then the labour pains start....good luck with the baby! x

[jane1098]

With my first i had a "show" then a day later i went into labour for a "few" hours.
With my second my waters broke 2 weeks early. i had the baby the next day (of my waters breaking) within an hour of the "dynamite" being administered.
Both pregnancies & labours were different but the most overwhelming experiences.
I never had braxton hicks.

At the end of the day, when the time comes for you its the most exciting time of your life and you'll just go along with the flow.

All the best to you & your partner nevetsnosnas x :-)

[spudqueen]

Well with my first I noticed that my bump had dropped and then I got the nesting instinct - going mad cleaning! Labour started a few hours later. With my second there was no sign at all - I just started having pains.
Each labour is different. Any concerns ring the hospital.

Good luck.

[beso]

The baby usually drops a few days before. The mother usually gets a boost of energy in the last 24 hours.

[puddicat]

Her head will start spinning like the woman in the exorsist lol!!!

[tigwig]

The midwife will be able to tell her when the baby is fully engaged and in the right position for labour and all ready to come but when it happens will be up to the baby!
With me, I woke up as usual in the morning needing a wee and walked to the bathroom and thought I'd wet myself! It was in fact drops of blood. Because it was my first I went in to hospital shortly after and my waters were broken for me. I had a girl 7 hours later.
Every one is different and if you are worried that the waters will break with no warning and the baby will arrive immediately after that it is very unlikely! Most people start with mild cramps or back ache that develops into very bad period type pains then worse! Your partner will just know when she is in full labour.
Good luck to you both and keep us posted! (there is a pregnancy section in family)

[puddicat]

women have had babies for eternity, answerbank thats for life!!!

[k8bailey]

Believe me, she will just know when it starts, i used to be told that all the time and think 'how?' but when my contractions started there was no doubt it was the real thing! (although my partner didn't believe me and stayed at work nearly all day!)

I believe a burst of energy is quite common, the day before I went into labour I cleaned the house, washed mine and my partners cars (he helped!) and went to the supermarket for a weeks worth of food.

MW will write in her notes how far engaged baby is 5/5 means not engaged and 0/5 iswhen you're in labour.
Braxton Hicks may start to get stronger or occur more often and she may get a 'show' although this can start a couple of weeks before anything happens!

Good Luck and enjoy!!